THE Philippines has chosen its top 20 coffee farmers, 10 each for Arabica and Robusta, to represent the country in the upcoming Southeast Asia Green Coffee Competition (SEAGCC), to be held from October 5 to 9, 2025, at the Sultan Kudarat Convention Center in Tacurong City.
After a rigorous national selection process that concluded on July 25, standout growers from across the country emerged to carry the Philippine flag in this regional showdown. Among the Arabica winners are Cherry Gil Cabanday, Janet Escalera, Josephine Libres, Salome Milagrosa, Marcia Elumirag, Jenny Morales, Jhon Lawrence de la Cerna, and Lowell Padrones—all from Bansalan, Davao del Sur, alongside Finca de Garces of Bukidnon and Cyril Jerome Almanzor of Lanao del Sur.
In the Robusta category, most of the winners hail from Sultan Kudarat, including Roan Basco, Idelberto Deramos, Reyjohn Basco, Denz Bert Deramos, Orlando Bayudan, Junerd Ambay, and Elmor Jay Seguma. They will be joined by Ricky Sagayno from Lupon, Davao Oriental; Catherine Joy Alipit from La Trinidad, Benguet; and Elizar Lucariza from Maragusan, Davao de Oro.
Dot Mediano, chairperson of the board of the Specialty Coffee Marketing Cooperative, said many of the Arabica winners came from Bansalan due to its favorable highland climate. He noted that such environments are ideal for cultivating premium coffee, giving growers in those areas a natural advantage.
“We are optimistic that we will win in Southeast Asia because of the scores,” Mediano said during Kapehan sa Dabaw on Monday, August 4, at SM City Davao.
Last year, the Philippines brought home two Arabica awards from the SEAGCC, and hopes are high that the country can surpass that feat this October. The competition will feature participants from across the region, including Thailand, Laos, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Myanmar.
This year’s national selection was made possible through a collaboration between the Filipino Coffee Institute and Specialty Coffee Depot PH, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture–Davao Region and the High Value Crops Development Program.
With preparations now underway, the country’s finest coffee farmers are ready to brew up another strong showing on the regional stage. RGP
